EEE found in mosquitoes and a deer in southeastern Massachusetts

Mosquitoes carrying eastern equine encephalitis, also known as EEE, were found in Lakeville and Rochester earlier this week as mosquito season begins to enter its peak.

The discovery marked the second time mosquitoes infected with the virus were found in Plymouth County after mosquitoes collected from a trap in Bridgewater tested positive for EEE on July 15.

West Nile virus was also detected in mosquitoes trapped in Middleboro on Tuesday.

In neighboring Bristol County, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that they had found the first case of EEE infection detected in a mammal this year.

The animal was a deer found in Freetown, a community that borders Lakeville.

“EEE is an annual occurrence in Massachusetts, and detection of EEE in a mammal should remind residents to take precautions when outdoors,” said DPH State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown.

Residents are being advised to use insect repellant, cover up exposed skin and avoid outdoor activities at dusk and night time, when mosquitoes are at their most active.

Following the discovery, the risk level for EEE was raised to high in Freetown and to moderate in several neighboring communities including Lakeville.

Anthony Texeira, the superintendent of the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project, said that the organization was working with the Lakeville health agent to conduct spraying in the area.

“This is the most dangerous time for mosquitoes,” Texeira said. “In the next couple of weeks, this is when we get human cases so you have to really be diligent and make sure you are spraying with repellent.”

On Aug. 14, 2013, an 85-year-old woman died from the only human case of EEE in Massachusetts last year.

Recently weather has also been a boon to mosquitoes in the region.

“The population of mosquitoes has gone up because of the rain this month,” Texeira said. “It seems like the state is getting more positives for EEE and West Nile virus.”

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were discovered in Easton, Mansfield and Stoughton last week.

The Department of Public Health detected the virus in samples collected on Aug. 5.

However, the risk level for West Nile virus remains low in those three communities.

Despite the discovery of virus-carrying mosquitoes in these communities, the number of mosquitoes found to be infected with West Nile and EEE is down overall compared to last year.

“It just started a little bit later (this year), but he virus is usually out there. It’s just a matter of detecting where,” Texeira said.